Formulation of transfersomal green tea (Camellia sinensis L. Kuntze) leaves extract cream and in vitro penetration study using franz diffussion cell

Introduction: Green tea is a natural ingredient that contains polyphenolic compounds in the form of catechin derivatives known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). It has an antioxidant activity that is beneficial for body health. However, EGCG has a considerable molecular weight and high hydrophilicity resulting in the difficulty of skin penetration. The aim of this study was to improve EGCG penetration through the skin by using the formation of lipid nanovesicles, called transfersomes, that was formulated into a cream dosage form. Methods: Transfersomes were prepared by thin layer hydration method in three formulations with different concentration of phospholipid and surfactant. The amount of green tea leaves extract used for all formulations was same, (equal to 3% EGCG). All transfersomes formulation was characterized their physical properties, and the most promising formulation was chosen to be formulated into a cream dosage form. A cream contained untreated extract was prepared as a control. The in vitro penetration study of EGCG from both creams was evaluated using Franz diffusion cells with the abdomen skin of Sprague-Dawley rats as a membrane between the compartments. Results and Discussion: The results showed that F1 was the most promising and optimal formulation with a spherical shape, particle size of 80.6 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.214, a zeta potential at -48.2 ± 1.78 mV, and the highest entrapment efficiency of 49.36 ± 4.03%. The cumulative amount of EGCG penetrated from transfersomal and non transfersomal cream were 1003.61 ± 157.93 μg/cm² and 400.09 ± 47.53 μg/cm², respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: To summarize, this study demonstrated that formulation of green tea leaves extract into a transfersomal cream dosage form could increase the amount of EGCG penetrated through the skin.